In its July 1967 issue, Car and Driver magazine described the driving experience of Ferrari’s new convertible as such: “Depress clutch. Find neutral. Turn ignition key. Give the gas a tiny, nervous touch. Oh my God!”

The 330 GTS’s performance, which included a top speed of 150 mph and a quarter-mile dash time of 15 seconds at just under 100 mph, was otherworldly. Yet, it was only part of the story. From its classic Ferrari nose treatment, fitted with a characteristic shallow egg-crate oval grille, to the triple louvered vents on the rear flanks of the front wings, and on to the seductive tapered tail, its design epitomised mid-1960s Italian GT styling. Inside the luxuriously appointed interior were twin leather bucket seats, a wood-rimmed aluminium steering wheel, and full instrumentation, and the interior accommodations were remarkably spacious.

Chassis number 17019, one of only ninety-nine 330 GTSs produced, was shipped to Luigi Chinetti Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut, in early 1968. After immediately being sold to Loeber Motors Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, it passed through a succession of owners, including Dr Stuart L. Resch, of New York, in 1970. In 1974, Steve Gross, of Westport, Connecticut, acquired the 330 GTS via Chinetti Motors. Save for a repaint performed in the early 1970s, it reportedly remained a largely original car until 2006.

That year, the car was acquired by an astute collector from California, who had Patrick Ottis Company, of Berkeley, California, sort the suspension and perform some general maintenance. Afterwards, it went on to add some 7,000 miles to the odometer in joyful touring. When it came time for the engine to be rebuilt, Ottis’s team was entrusted with the mechanical work, whilst the coachwork and cosmetics were entrusted to the renowned firm of Rudi & Company, of Victoria, British Columbia.

Under the care of Koniczek and his team, the car was completely taken down to bare metal. Old front-end damage was properly repaired, and any oxidation issues were addressed, which was a significant investment that has ensured the integrity of the car for years to come. In addition to the outstanding body and paint work, every piece of chrome was re-plated, the interior was reupholstered, and the gaskets and glass were replaced.

Ottis’s shop was directed to perform the engine rebuild as thoroughly and correctly as possible. The meticulous machine work was complemented by the installation of new valves and pistons, resulting in outstanding appearance and performance. When the work had been completed, the car was returned to Ottis’s Berkeley facility, where the engine was installed and properly worn-in. The 330 GTS was subsequently brought to Brian Hoyt’s Perfect Reflections, to ensure that it was dialled-in for correctness of presentation, down to the rubber seals and the smallest pieces of hardware.

Chassis 10719 is presented in Blu Scuro, with a Claret and black leather interior and black cloth top, and it is absolutely stunning. The fit and finish of its panels is excellent, with even gaps, and the quality of the engine bay remains at a concours level, as does that of the underside. The interior boasts the standard leather seats and power windows, as well as optional air conditioning and a Becker AM/FM radio, and the car rides on sparkling Borrani wire wheels shod in Michelin XWX tyres.

It is no surprise that when shown in 2011 at the Concorso Italiano in Monterey, California, this car was awarded the Ferrari Club of America Pacific Region Vintage Concours Award and received Best of Show honours. In its present ownership, the 330 GTS has continued to be well maintained by a professional staff. Accompanying the car is a correct jack bag and a nicely appointed tool roll.